Promoter Matiti’s victory over Kodwa in court may not save his tournament

Promoter Ayanda Matiti beat sport minister Zizi Kodwa in court, but his planned tournament for East London this weekend seems set to be KO’d. 

The National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association (NPBPA), chaired by Matiti, won an interdict, forcing Kodwa’s newly-appointed Boxing South Africa (BSA) board to retreat from office.

In papers before the Pretoria high court Matiti had argued that Kodwa had failed to consult with the NPBPA before naming the board, which the Boxing Act requires him to do.

The board had taken office only on Tuesday, but in that time they recalled suspended director of operations Mandla Ntlanganiso, who was also appointed acting CEO.

Ntlanganiso confirmed he was at work at the regulator’s office in Pretoria on Thursday.

He also told TimesLIVE that Matiti had not yet paid purse money to BSA for his tournament, which according to the Boxing Act he is required to do 30 days beforehand.

Ntlanganiso added in a WhatsApp message that he would have to cancel the show.

“At this stage there are no funds and we will unfortunately follow the legislative prescripts,” he responded when asked if Matiti had lodged the money and, if he hadn’t, if the show would continue. 

Matiti has yet to respond to a message for comment, but that will be added when he does.

Kodwa announced on Thursday morning that the new board had been blocked in court.

Kodwa told SABC that Ntlanganiso would continue in his role. “The good thing is that they appointed an acting CEO ... who has already resumed responsibilities. I am very proud that they have taken that decision.” 

He said in a statement issued by the ministry that there would be no leadership vacuum. 

The ministry said the minister was “applying his mind, and will make an announcement on the next steps”.

“Officials are working on the judgment on instruction of the minister.

“Minister Kodwa assures that there will be no leadership vacuum at Boxing SA, and will do the utmost to ensure that the governance and administration of boxing is not compromised.”